Directory Persistence
... in which Gene stalks a smooth operator
By Gene Weingarten
Sunday, March 26, 2006; Page W56
The other day I dialed 411, Verizon national directory assistance.
Female Robot Voice: City and state, please.
  (Eric Shansby) |
Me: Montm . . . oh, wait, no, the city is Washington, D.C.
FRV: Sorry, I didn't get that. (Slightly scolding tone) What city and state, please?
Me: (Obediently) Wash. Ing. Ton. Dee. See.
FRV: Say the name of the business you want, or say "residence."
Me: Montmartre. It's a restaur . . .
FRV: Okay, you want Baltimore County trash collection? Is that right?
Me: Aaaaarrgh!
FRV: Sorry, I didn't get that. Please say the name of the business, or say "residence."
Me: (Fuming silence)
FRV: (Slightly scolding tone) Okay, please hold for an operator.
